Tradescantia bracteata

Tradescantia bracteata Small

Bracted spiderwort, Long-bract spiderwort

Synonym(s):

Erect, stout, usually unbranched stems, 10-16 in. tall. Grass-like leaves. Several flowers in clusters at top of stem, subtended by bracts similar to stem leaves. Three blue-violet petals and six stamens tipped with bright yellow anthers. Long-bract spiderwort flowers close by midday and last only one day.

Named after John Tradescant (1608-1662) who served as gardener to Charles 1 of England.

Value to Beneficial Insects

Propagation

Description: Plant treated seed in fall. Seed germinates best in cool soils. A faster method of propagation is divide a large clump into several pieces. Divide in early fall or very early spring. Stem cuttings may be taken any time during the growing season. Remo Seed Collection: The small light-green capsule, surrounded by three green bracts is mature 2-3 weeks after flowering. A few days prior to splitting, the capsule becomes dry and papery. Collecting seeds is easiest by tying a small bag around the unsplit capsule. Store in sealed, refrigerated containers. Seed Treatment: Cold-moist stratify for 120 days. Commercially Avail: yes